After spring break, our kids come back to testing season.

As many of you know, the Michigan tests cover the “core” subjects of English language arts (reading, writing, and listening), math, science, and social studies.

We should all support our students and encourage them through all these tests because they are important. They help our kids learn the importance of doing well on these tests, for they are not going away for the rest of their years, all the way through college.

Rightly or wrongly, the tests also are used to measure the effectiveness of teachers and schools.

At the same time, we have to remember some of the great student accomplishments that don’t show up as test scores. The state will also not use these great efforts to measure the strength of our schools, and they really should.

Here is a list of some of the fine work from these “other subjects”:

• Three teachers who were named CTE teachers of the month for Berrien County — Jeremy Tilly (auto mechanics), Chris Inman (machine tool), and Pat Stier (CAD) — offer students engaging, challenging courses to get them prepared for future rewarding careers.

• Two students were on the second place district FIRST robotics team. They move on to compete at regionals. Hats off to Mackenzie Bergan and Nick Needham!

• Two band students, Erin Schimmel and Austin Carter, won spots in the spring conference band at Western Michigan University.

• Three middle school students, Chloe Davis, Olivia Laurita and Jessica Williamson, will compete in the Michigan Department of Transportation Bridge Building contest in Grand Rapids. These students and their advisor, Rex Pomranka, put in the time and effort to reach this level.

• Our high school art students, along with Niles student artists, displayed a super art show at the Niles Distric Library.

• Our Brandywine Elementary students put on a fantastic Fine Arts Night just before spring break.

We are proud of the efforts of all of our Brandywine students and teachers.

John Jarpe is the superintendent of Brandywine Community Schools. He can be reached at (269) 684- 7150.